Ó Cuív hosts conference on developing employment opportunities through Rural Recreation and Tourism Projects
Written by Eamon Ó Cuív Friday, 19 February 2010
The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív TD, is today hosting a conference for Local Development Companies on utilising the funding available under the Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2103.
Speaking today in advance of the conference, Minister Ó Cuív said:
“The development of Rural Recreation and Tourism Projects has great potential to benefit our rural areas. It is crucial at this time that we exploit this potential and maximise the impact on the ground, in terms of the creation of sustainable employment that can flow from the development of strategic Recreation and Tourism projects”.
The substantial funding of some €425m available to Local Development Companies, over the lifetime of the Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013 has great potential to enhance and grow our unique Tourism and Recreation products and generate additional sustainable employment in our rural communities. The additional tourism potential that can be unlocked by tapping into our unspoilt natural heritage and providing first class recreational activities in rural locations can generate significant income for local communities.
Fáilte Ireland has indicated that activity tourism was worth €1.2bn to the Irish economy in 2008, €650m generated by overseas markets and €540m from the domestic market. There is significant potential to further develop this market based on well planned and integrated recreational activities and facilities. It is also of note that there has been a substantial increase in the numbers of foreign walkers over the past years from 207,000 in 2002 to 517,000 in 2008.
Minister Ó Cuív said “I am delighted to have this opportunity to discuss with Local Development Companies the significant economic and developmental opportunities available to local communities through funding of Tourism and Recreation Projects under the Rural Development Programme”.
Issued by the Press & Information Office of the Dept. of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
Eisithe ag Oifig Preasa & Eolais na Roinne Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta.
Tel/Teil: 01 647 3130 Fax/Facs: 01 6473215
Email / Ríomhphost:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web/Gréasán: www.pobail.ie
Editor’s Note
The Rural Development Programme is co-funded by the Government and the European Union and is of vital importance to the regeneration of rural Ireland. Under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, record funding of €425.4 million will be provided. This is almost treble the amount available in the last Programme (2000-2006), and the largest ever package for rural development. Allied to the private investment that it will attract, this funding should ensure a spend of over €1bn in rural Ireland.
